Employee Absences Spike in the Summer

According to a survey by Kronos Incorporated of
1,077 adults, “Summer Absence Syndrome” (SAS) will cause
approximately 30% of employees to call in sick this
season to enjoy a day off, down from about 39% of
employees who say they have done so in the past.

The most popular days to call in sick were Friday
and Monday.

The most cited response to why employees call in
sick was:

I needed a mental health day;

The weather was great and I wanted to enjoy the
day; and

My workload is heavy so I spontaneously take time
off when I can.

The survey also suggests that SAS can have a
negative impact on all employees in the workplace.

Some employees agreed that employees calling in
sick – when they are not – impacts their productivity
because there are fewer people to get the work done and
it sets a precedent that encourages others to play sick
as well.

Some respondents suggested that fewer workers would
call in sick if employers allow them to have some Fridays
off during the summer or to allow telecommuting and
flex-time.